Hatfield did say, though, that Nike plans to unveil its Oregon State re-branding details privately to OSU officials in three or four weeks.

"It will make the brand more consistent and recognizable nationally,'' Hatfield said, comparing it to Oregon's makeover and saying that it will "reap the same kind of benefits'' the Ducks have gotten. "It will be a new identity, a new brand that fits their culture.''

It remains to be seen how much, if any, of the re-branding effort is aimed at basketball. Adidas trotted out some sweet short-sleeve unis for the Golden State Warriors on Monday, and Hatfield said basketball is sort of the next frontier for uniform improvement.

"We've only begun to touch basketball,'' Hatfield said. "We are due for some real performance upgrades.''

The Beavers begin their odyssey to Pullman today to take on Washington State, which has proved to be something of a hoops nemesis. As a team without a charter, the Beavers will stay up north, toting some tutors, until Saturday night's game in Seattle against Washington.